Sound Off: April 13

LCPS >> The perspective for the controversy over sick days for Las Cruces teachers is there are almost 4,000 employees in the Las Cruces school district. They control the elections, including approval of bond issues and even who gets elected to the school board.

Emails >> Colin Powell may not be running for president, but he has stated he used private email as secretary of state. Under his watch we invaded Iraq based on WMDs that were never found and killed 15,000 Americans. Plus, 11 embassy bombings killing 60 were under his watch. Benghazi under Hillary killed four.

Panhandling >> I thought Las Cruces had an ordinance against panhandlers. I'm starting to see them at exit ramps and around town. It makes a terrible impression on tourists and prospective people relocating to our area.

Hooks column >> So by Neal Hooks' way of thinking, if a Jewish couple wanted a wedding cake and the bakery turned them down because they were Jewish, well, that would not be considered intolerant. After all, they're not Christians, are they?

LCPS >> The state isn't saying the teachers can't take those days in their contract. What they are saying is a class is more exemplary if the teacher is there more often, and I agree. Clearly you should get higher marks if your teacher is always there.

Cartoons >> I don't know who at the Sun-News has come up with this Creators Syndicate cartoons. They are not cartoons, they're just hate pictures. Please, let's have some normal cartoons that are maybe political but kind of funny, OK?

Plane >> You guys always get military vehicles wrong. That was C-130 in the picture not a C-150.

LCPS >> I am so proud of the Las Cruces school board for having the guts to stand up for their teachers and live by their obligations. It is ridiculous that a teacher should be deemed less than exemplary just because she or he has to take time off to take care of family or because of illness.

Spaceport >> "School kids get a glimpse of Gateway Gallery experience." A toy for rich children of all ages, aptly described by the oxymoron "retro-visionary."

Governor >> Now that the Sun-News has reported Martinez is responsible for 16,000 new jobs, increased our exports significantly and passed bills that will help toward the education of our children, I bet we won't hear any praise on the left for a job well done.

Spaceport >> So pleased to see the photo of the spaceport indoor play land. Now if they just add pizza, ball pit, and some robot clowns, a decade of hopes, dreams and millions of dollars will have a purpose.

NMSU >> Unlike most jobs around here, for specialized Ph.D.-level jobs, NMSU has to recruit nationwide. Most of those folks have no familial ties to the area, so to recruit them and keep them here requires paying market salaries.

Scam continues >> Warning, an IRS impersonator is calling Las Cruces residents threatening them with tax violations and lawsuits, under the number 360-807-5517. If you get a phone call, report it to the Treasury Department Inspector for Tax Administration at www.treasury.gov/tigta/contact_report_scam.shtml.